McConnell dodges on Trump border wall

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WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to say Wednesday whether he would support building a wall along the southern border with Mexico, a signature item of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign.

McConnell would only say at a news conference in Washington, “I want to try to achieve border security in way that is most effective,” when pressed on whether he would support the wall.

McConnell also declined to talk about his previous criticism of Trump’s comments about Hispanics and the long-term damage he saw that creating for the Republican Party.

McConnell, who eked out a series of key victories Tuesday night to maintain control of the Senate, cautioned his Republican colleagues against over-reaching now that they will control the White House and Congress.

McConnell said passing a repeal to the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature health care, is a “high-item on the list.” Repealing Obamacare, which has been a campaign promise by Trump, can be done through budget reconciliation with 51 voters, where as replacing it, would require 60 votes.

“Let’s just stipulate that every single Republican thought Obamacare was a mistake without exception. That’s still our view, and you can expect us, with a new president who has the same view, to address that issue,” McConnell said.